In Memory of Suzy Stahl

Last month I lost my long-time secretary and close friend Suzy Stahl. It took me a little while to be able to write this because it has been a difficult few months for all of us.

Suzy was a true helper archetype and lover of people. She would do anything to help clients and many other people, even at risk to herself. She had a way, a presence, that just made you feel comforted and better about whatever you were going through.

I remember coming to work and seeing everyone, many times myself too, gathered in her office talking to her about their life and problems. She had a magnetic personality and people wanted to open up to her and share their lives with her, even after only knowing her briefly.

I heard over and over from clients about how helpful and caring Suzy was. We deal with people going through what is often the worst thing in their lives. Her compassion and belief in second chances came through with everyone. The people she helped over the years with both Selden and I are too many to count.

I know these compliments were genuine, not just because I heard them all the time, but because I experienced it too. I came to Suzy on many occasions when I was going through life trauma. Whether it was about a firm break up, COVID madness, or family emergencies, she was always there.

I remember vividly a serious health scare with our older child. A doctor threw out the word cancer before doing any tests. My wife called and was hysterical after hearing the news. I rushed out of the office to the hospital in tears. I felt like my world had imploded and could not process what I heard.

The first person I talked to after that was Suzy on the phone on the way to the hospital. She instantly made me feel calm and better about what my family was going through. In her calm way she told me there was no way it was cancer- there had to be a mistake. It turned out she was right.

That’s just what she was meant to do- care for others and make them feel better during their time of most need.

Examples like this are too many to count. Suzy, you were one of a kind. You are missed.